Kia OPTIMA
824 registered in New Zealand · 2001–2020 · 100% from South Korea
The Kia OPTIMA is a recognisable name on New Zealand roads, with 824 registered across model years 2001 to 2020. It averages 8.2 L/100km in fuel consumption and produces an average of 146 kW. Most are petrol-powered saloons with a 2.4L engine.
Below you'll find a complete breakdown of fuel types, body styles, drivetrain options, regional distribution, and estimated running costs. Select a specific model year to see detailed specs, buyer insights, and variant-level data for that generation of the OPTIMA.
Fuel Types
Kia OPTIMA fuel type breakdown: PETROL 100%, DIESEL 0%.
Fleet Age Profile
How many Kia OPTIMA vehicles from each manufacture year are still registered in NZ. Taller bars mean more of that year on the road — better parts availability and more mechanics who know it.
Kia OPTIMA fleet age profile: 2015: 75, 2016: 82, 2017: 64, 2018: 34, 2019: 27.
Drivetrain
Transmission
Kia OPTIMA transmissions: 6-GEAR AUTO 87%, 4-GEAR AUTO 10%, 5-GEAR MANUAL 0%.
Engine Size
Kia OPTIMA engine sizes: 2.4L 61%, 2.4L 17%, 2.0L 9%, 2.5L 8%, 2.0L 3%.
Imported From
Kia OPTIMA imported from: South Korea 100%, Thailand 0%, Australia 0%.
When They Arrived in NZ
When Kia OPTIMA vehicles were first registered in New Zealand — showing import waves and buying trends.
Kia OPTIMA NZ arrival timeline: 2019: 29, 2020: 1, 2021: 5, 2022: 2, 2023: 1.
Estimated Running Costs
Select a model year to estimate fuel costs for that specific Kia OPTIMA.
Colours
Colours shown are approximate representations of NZTA basic colour categories, not exact manufacturer paint codes.
Where They Are in NZ
Kia OPTIMA regional distribution: AUCKLAND: 293, CHRISTCHURCH: 45, HAMILTON: 42, TAURANGA: 32, WHANGAREI: 24.
Body Types
Similar Cars
1
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Kia OPTIMA are there in New Zealand?
There are 824 Kia OPTIMA vehicles registered in New Zealand as of March 2026, making up 0% of the total passenger fleet. Model years range from 2001 to 2020.
How much does it cost to run a Kia OPTIMA?
Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Kia OPTIMA averages 8.2 L/100km. At current fuel prices ($3.41/L), that works out to roughly $65 per week or $3,355 per year in fuel, assuming 12,000 km of annual driving. Actual costs vary by model year, driving conditions, and fuel type.
What body type is the Kia OPTIMA?
The Kia OPTIMA is primarily classified as a saloon in the NZTA fleet register. The most common fuel type is petrol.
Are Kia OPTIMA cars imported or NZ-new?
100% of Kia OPTIMA vehicles in New Zealand originated from South Korea. The majority arrived as used imports, which is typical for this model. Check the import status and origin country for the specific year you're considering on the individual year pages.